Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Acoustic driven alternative pop anybody? That's probably the best way to describe this Florida-based four-piece band. The band's debut is definitely min­istry focused music that's adult in its concerns and what a great title for an album! Built around the husband and wife songwriting team of vocalist Susan and guitarist Richie Garcia. 15 songs born out of the reality of a changed life, there're plenty of songs to shout about. "Testify" tells the story of Susan's salva­tion, healing and second chance to live; the driving "Oh My God" is further tes­timony to the way that God touches our lives when we cry out to him in our despair. The struggles, heartbreaks and victories that make up our life experi­ences are all reflected in the songs recorded here and yet through the honesty, a huge testimony of God's faithfulness emerges and these are songs that minister into the pain of brokenness. "Slip & Fall" is a pop prayer for help in weakness and "More Than Look" is a strident confidence in the closeness of God. "In Your Blood" is another one of those driving tunes that Cross Connected seem to do so well, and one thing is for sure throughout the album, Susan certainly likes to tip her head back and belt out these songs. Piles of conviction, plenty of testimony of God's miraculous moving and a passion to share their experiences, Cross Connected live what they sing!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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